Submitted by Olympia School District
Domenico Spatola-Knoll has been named Principal of Madison Elementary School in the Olympia School District. He will also serve as the District’s Title I Director. Spatola-Knoll has been Principal at Roosevelt Elementary School since 2006.
“I am very excited at becoming the new principal of Madison Elementary School and am looking forward to working with parents and staff in supporting the students and school community,” said Spatola-Knoll. “Madison is my neighborhood school, so I feel privileged and honored at being given this opportunity to serve as the school principal. I am also thankful for the time, experiences, and friendships I have made while at Roosevelt. The students, parents, and staff have been terrific, and will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Olympia School District Superintendent Dick Cvitanich announced Spatola-Knoll’s appointment on Friday.
“In the short time I have served the school district I have been impressed by Domenico’s commitment to the success of all students,” said Cvitanich. “He is passionate about supporting students, families and staff in his neighborhood school. Children and parents will find a friendly and welcoming smile every day.”
Outgoing Madison Principal Gayle Mar-Chun, who will retire June 28, also said she was very pleased with the selection of Spatola-Knoll for the position.
“Domenico is coming to a great school, and he will be a wonderful fit,” said Mar-Chun. “He cares deeply about kids and will work very well with our students, staff and families. I know he’ll do a superb job.”
Prior to taking the job as Principal of Roosevelt Elementary in 2006, Spatola-Knoll served as a 5th grade teacher at Garfield Elementary from 1993 through 2006.
In his new role as the District’s Title I Director Spatola-Knoll will write Title I grant applications, help determine the District’s Title I processes and funding, and assist Title I schools in implementing practices and procedures. Title I is the largest federal aid program for our nation’s schools, funding education programs specifically aimed at low-income students to help close the achievement gap. Programs funded through Title I include things like extended or all-day kindergarten, small group intervention, afterschool programs, tutoring and parent involvement activities.
Madison Elementary serves about 250 students in preschool through fifth grade. Spatola-Knoll’s new position as Madison Principal will begin with Mar-Chun’s retirement at the end of June.
